2019 Lisbon > Madrid

Over 13 incredible days, explore the delights of Portugal and soak up the culture and history with a city break in Lisbon. Continue with a leisurely cruise along the Douro before ending in beautiful Madrid.

Relax and unwind with a roundtrip sailing from Porto, one of Portugal's most beautiful cities. Cruise through the picturesque Douro Valley and admire the terraced slopes strewn with grapevines, before calling in at charming destinations including Pinhao, Vega de Terron and Pocinho.

13 Day Itinerary

Day 1 -
Arrival Lisbon

Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon has captivated visitors for centuries. The amazing vistas reveal the city in all its beauty: Roman and Moorish ruins, white-domed cathedrals, grand plazas lined with sun-drenched cafes. Included is a three night stay in Lisbon.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 -
Lisbon

Today you will have an exciting tour of the city center and view some of the famous points, as well as experience the sights of the yellow trams clattering through tree-lined streets.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 -
Lisbon

Today enjoy your day at leisure in Lisbon; your tour director is at your service to help you plan your day in this vibrant city.

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Sintra (extra expense)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 -
Lisbon – Porto Embarkation

Today travel north along the Atlantic coast and stopping at the enchanting town of Nazaré, home of one of largest waves in Europe. Once in Porto, board your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board.EmeraldPLUS: Sunset Cruise Through Porto

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 -
Porto – Pinhão

Today, enjoy a full day sailing the windy turns and twists of the Douro Valley. A UNESCO world heritage site this area is sparsely populated by small quaint villages and typical communities working vineyards and small farms. In the afternoon, your Cruise Director will host a lecture on board showcasing the history and wine culture of the region. Later, arrive in the village of Pinhão which is situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides producing some of the world’s best Port. Tonight, your captain will be delighted to host the welcome dinner and cocktail reception.EmeraldPLUS: Cooking Demonstration on BoardEmeraldACTIVE: Yoga Lesson on Board

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 -
Pinhao - Vega de Terrón

Begin your day with a visit to a beautiful Quinta vineyard in the heart of the Douro Valley. Alternatively, join the EmeraldACTIVE walk through the vineyards. Later, sail to Vega de Terrón, your gateway into Spain.EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Walk through VineyardsEmeraldPLUS: Cocktail Lesson on board

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 -
Salamanca

Founded in Roman times, the city of Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the seat of the Spanish language, and still a lively student town. Board your coach this morning in Vega de Terrón and travel to this beautiful golden city for a guided walking tour passing through its grand squares and medieval structures, where you will feel like stepping back in time. Tapas bars feature on every street and traditional Spanish music trickles out of buzzing bars and restaurants. You will also have plenty of free time to explore independently before returning to the ship later this afternoon.EmeraldPLUS: Local Entertainment

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 -
Pocinho

This morning, arrive in Pocinho and either embark on an excursion to the Côa Valley Museum or take part on the Emerald Active canoeing experience. The Côa Valley Museum is a concrete structure that details pre-historic stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro, which were uncovered during the construction of the nearby dam. Later return to your ship for lunch and enjoy your idyllic surroundings as you sail towards Régua.EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Canoeing ExperienceEmeraldACTIVE: Yoga Lesson on BoardEmeraldPLUS: This evening your highlight dinner will be hosted at a traditional rural wine estate in the Régua area

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 -
Régua

Today you will have a choice to visit the marvelous baroque village of Lamego and the picturesque Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary where history stands still. As part of your EmeraldACTIVE feature, walk up the stairs of the Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary.EmeraldACTIVE: Walking up the Stairs of the SanctuaryEmeraldACTIVE: Yoga Lesson on BoardEmeraldPLUS: Mosaic Tile Painting Lessons on Board

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Enjoy your city tour passing by numerous landmarks of this beautiful city.EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Active Walking Tour

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Guimarães (extra expense)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 -
Porto Disembarkation - Madrid

After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship and transfer to Porto airport for your flight to Madrid, Spain’s Capital. Included, is a two-night stay in Madrid.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 -
Madrid

This morning, join your tour director for a vibrant city tour of Madrid, including the Sabatini gardens, Plaza Mayor, Market, Austrian quarter, Gran Via. The rest of the day is at your leisure to continue exploring.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13 -
Madrid - Farewell

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.